Guilt Free Festive Beverages

 
 

It’s that time of year where food and beverages seem to be following freely – and your thinking those couple of extra drinks during the weekend, an extra soft drink or cordial here and there won’t hurt right? Wrong! It’s a sad fact that on average a person will gain 3-4kg over Christmas period and at least 50% of people will only lose half of that weight gained within the next year

Here’s how to make some your beverages that little bit lighter this silly season

Water

How do you make water more appealing whilst everyone is downing their sugary drinks?

• Add some fresh, lemon, lime or orange wedges

• Another option is a herbal tea (i.e raspberry & pomegranit) –

                 make it in a mug with 2-3 tea bags and hot water
                 add to a 1L jug  and top it up with cold water
                 add some fresh berries and ice cubes to serve

• Try using soda water for a fizzy refreshment

 

Here are some of my favourite refreshing  festive beverages

 

Peach & Raspberry iced tea

Ingredients

• raspberry and peach flavoured tea bags (2-3)
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/3 bunch of mint to serve

Method

1. Make a large teapot of tea using 2 to 3 tea bags
2. Cool & Pour into a large jug.
3. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
4. Serve with ice cubes and fresh  of fresh mint

 

Green iced tea with ginger

Ingredients

• green tea bags (2-3),
• ginger tea bag (1)
• 2tsp honey

Method

1. Make a large teapot of tea using tea bags & add honey
2. Stir until honey is well mixed
3. Cool & Pour into a large jug.
4. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
5. Serve with ice cubes

 

Jasmine & Mint Iced Tea

Ingredients

• Jasmine tea bags (2-3),
• Juice of ½ a lemon
• 2tsp honey
• 1/3 bunch of mint to serve

Method

1. Make a large teapot of tea using tea bags & add the lemon juice and honey
2. Stir until honey is well mixed
3. Cool & Pour into a large jug.
4. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
5. Serve with ice cubes and mint

 For more information on avoiding weight gain this festive season email naednutrition@gmail.com

Strawberry & Coconut Cheesecake

Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan &  Raw

Makes 12

Ingredients

Crust

2 cup almonds
1/4 cup agave syrup OR coconut nectar

Filling

4 cups chopped strawberries
2 cup cashews
4 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup agave syrup OR coconut nectar
6 tablespoons melted cacao butter
4 tablespoons melted coconut oil

Method

1. In a food processor grind the almonds into chunky crumbs
2. Add the agave slowly over 20 seconds
3. Line your muffin pan with parchment paper cups & press mixture into the bottom of muffin tins 
4. Blend all but the coconut oil and butter until smooth and creamy in a blender
5. Add the oil/butter and blend to incorporate
6. Pour the filling over the crust.
   
7. Chill in the fridge or freezer until firm.

The Skinny on Fats

Let's get back to basics: Fat is necessary for growth, development, brain and heart function, satiety, reducing inflammation and actually helps burn body fat. Consuming dietary fat is important for absorption of nutrients, energy and cell membrane health. But not all fats are created equal!

 

The fats you want to reduce are saturated fats and trans fatty acids for alleviating many health concerns and you can do this by limiting poor quality fats as much as possible in your diet.

Saturated Fats are found in

• palm oil
• cheese
• processed meats
• chocolate
• coconut
• red meat
• nuts and seeds

Trans Fats are found in

• packaged foods
• margarine
• fast food
• packaged soups 
• frozen foods

There are exceptions to this rule. Nutrient rich saturated fat foods such as Coconut, red meat, nuts and seeds are an ESSENTIAL part of our diet – but roughly 30% of total food intake. Remember to always avoid trans fats.

 

When you are wanting to burn body fat and lose weight you want to focus on the unsaturated fats such as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA’s) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s). 

MUFA’s are found in 

• olives
• olive oil
• avocado
• nuts and seeds

PUFA’s (which include your omega 3 fatty acids) are found in 

• fish
• fish oils
• nuts
• seeds 
• algae  

For more information about the type of fat that should be in your diet to achieve your goals simply email naednutrition@gmail.com for more information